2008 Bentley Azure Convertible
Registration no. BA08 JCB
Chassis no. SCBDC48H29CH13767

Bentley Motors' owners since 1998, Volkswagen kept the existing Continental R-based Azure convertible in production until 2003 but delayed introducing its successor for a further three years. Production of the new Azure thus began for the 2006 model year. On this occasion the Azure was based on the more modern Arnage platform. The latter had been built in two forms: Green Label (with BMW power) and Red Label with the long-running Rolls-Royce/Bentley 6.75-litre pushrod V8. A legacy of the Rolls-Royce/Bentley takeover battle with BMW, Volkswagen's use of a rival manufacturer's engines could only be a temporary measure, and so future models would use the 'old' Bentley V8, suitably up-rated with twin turbochargers for the new Azure convertible. As well as the twin turbochargers, replacing the single unit used previously, this venerable engine was extensively reworked, Bentley claiming that more than half the parts were new. In this form it produced 450bhp and a mighty 645lb/ft of torque, while a new ZF six-speed automatic transmission fed this abundance of power to the rear wheels. Bentley claimed a 0-60mph (0-97km/h) acceleration time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 168mph (270 km/h), slightly faster than the previous model and still excellent for a vehicle of its size and weight. "In a word, wonderful," was how Autocar magazine greeted the new Azure, which was also reckoned "notably better for the new gearbox. Overall, it's amazing how much difference a decent auto 'box can make."

Only its second owner in 12 years, the current vendor bought this Azure from Bentley Cardiff on 8th January 2013, since when all servicing has been undertaken by Bentley Sevenoaks and more recently by Bentley Bristol (bills on file). In September 2016 this car's fine quality was recognised at the Windsor Castle Concours of Elegance with the award of the Bentley Trophy (included in the sale). It should be noted that the odometer was changed at 4,000 miles and that the current odometer reading is 19,000 miles, making the distance travelled since new some 23,000 miles. Finished in Silver Lake with off-white leather interior, this immaculate Azure Convertible is offered with current MoT, a V5C Registration Certificate, and the aforementioned service history.